A MEMORIAL bench has been unveiled for Tash Samways, who was killed in a car crash on the coast road just outside Weymouth.

Fundraiser Jack Knowles and Tash’s father Colin Sweet and step-mum Lil were pleased to see the tribute in the popular area in Beaminster Playing Fields.

Tash, 17, died in a crash on January 20 on the B3157 coast road near Langton Herring just outside Weymouth.

Jack, Kerri Fallon, Lyndzie Callow and Tash’s brother Ashley raised £347 from a sponsored walk to buy the bench.

Jack, 18, of Frome St Quintin said: “It was good but quite emotional. It was nice to see the bench there and it was a nice spot.”

One of Tash’s friends, Catherine Paul, also took pictures for a Facebook site when the bench was unveiled.

Jack added that he wanted to thank the Beaminster groundsman Rob Hansford for his help.

Jack and his fellow walkers trekked from Bridport, through Hooke and up to Crewkerne and Merriott in Somerset before returning via Salway Ash to raise the money.

Mrs Sweet said: “We have had a lot of comments from people saying how nice the bench looks. It is in an ideal place. Our thanks also go to Beaminster Town Council for letting us put it up so quickly.”

The bench bears a plaque saying ‘In Loving Memory of Tash Samways – perfect little angel’.

Tash was a former pupil at Beaminster School and a member of Bridport Youth Club.

Hundreds of friends and family members gathered on the playing fields for a memorial event after her death last January.

Staff from Beaminster School also paid tribute to her, as well as youth workers, friends and family and her employer Mat Follas from the Wild Garlic restaurant.

Tributes have also continued to be paid on the Tash Samways Memorial Facebook page.

n James Stephen Marshall Griffiths, 21, of Jessopp Avenue, Bridport, faces a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

His trial is due to take place at Dorchester Crown Court next April.